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Pravastatin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Pravastatin Atorvastatin Simvastatin
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Pravastatin Atorvastatin Simvastatin

Pravastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, it may not be as effective as atorvastatin. Grapefruit products do not affect pravastatin to the same extent as atorvastatin. Prescribed for... View more

Atorvastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, its use may be limited by side effects such as muscle pain. Prescribed for High Cholesterol, High Cholesterol - Familial Heterozygous... View more

Simvastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, it may cause muscle pain particularly at higher dosages. Prescribed for High Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, High Cholesterol -... View more

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More about Pravastatin More about Atorvastatin More about Simvastatin
Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available
Availability

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only
Ratings & Reviews

Pravastatin has an average rating of 4.2 out of 10 from a total of 68 ratings on Drugs.com. 21% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 53% reported a negative effect.

Atorvastatin has an average rating of 4.3 out of 10 from a total of 261 ratings on Drugs.com. 29% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 55% reported a negative effect.

Simvastatin has an average rating of 4.8 out of 10 from a total of 124 ratings on Drugs.com. 32% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 49% reported a negative effect.

View all 68 reviews

View all 261 reviews

View all 124 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

See the full pravastatin side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: hemorrhagic stroke, arthralgia, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis.

See the full atorvastatin side effects document.

See the full simvastatin side effects document.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 50 each
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $1.04
Cost* $52.14

View all pravastatin prices

Quantity 50 each
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $0.43 - $0.63
Cost* $21.53 - $31.70

View all atorvastatin prices

Quantity 100 each
Dosage 40 mg
Per Unit* $0.27 - $0.95
Cost* $27.19 - $95.00

View all simvastatin prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet
Brand Names

N/A

 Lipitor FloLipid, Zocor
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

3 hours

14 hours

N/A
CSA Schedule** View glossary of terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 157 drugs are known to interact with pravastatin:

  • 15 major drug interactions (43 brand and generic names)
  • 138 moderate drug interactions (394 brand and generic names)
  • 4 minor drug interactions (9 brand and generic names)

A total of 338 drugs are known to interact with atorvastatin:

  • 43 major drug interactions (137 brand and generic names)
  • 261 moderate drug interactions (745 brand and generic names)
  • 34 minor drug interactions (244 brand and generic names)

A total of 283 drugs are known to interact with simvastatin:

  • 56 major drug interactions (222 brand and generic names)
  • 217 moderate drug interactions (566 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (51 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Pravastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more
  • Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of atorvastatin. This can increase the risk of side... View more
  • Atorvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more
  • Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels of simvastatin. This can increase the... View more
  • Simvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

October 31, 1991

December 17, 1996

December 23, 1991
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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